Hermione followed me close behind as we made our way past the numerous levels of the owlery. Each landing was inhabited with larger and larger owls as we walked up.

"This is it." I said as we stepped up on to the last step. Looking in on the room we saw two huge owls, each as tall and wider than us, one black and a light gray one.

"That should be him." I said and pointed to the black one. Both owls seemed to be sleeping.

Thank Merlin for that. Eagle owls tend to be a little violent with strangers. Oh no.

"Hermione what are you doing?!" I said pulling her back from almost touching the black one to wake it up.

"I didn't come here just to look at him. Stupid."

"I don't think it's wise to wake them up."

"To late."

"Hermione, you didn't say that." Hermione shook her head at me as we both turned to see the black eagle owl off of it's perch with open eyes behind us.

"Don't be afraid, why would I hurt my only grandchild?" The eagle owl spoke with precise english.

"Hi." Hermione muttered awed that there was a huge talking owl standing in front of her. The owl opened its wings (which have a wing span of nearly 5 ft *an: I know nothing about birds, 5ft just seems like a hell of a lot of wing, ya know?*) Hermione willingly fell into a hug with the bird, such an awkward sight. Slowly I watched in awe as the hugs continued and Toma started changing back into his human form still holding on to Hermione. I was the first to see him, Hermione was still oblivious. Toma is a big big guy.

*Hermione POV*

Draco led me up the steps, I felt my hands start shaking slightly. I was so nervous, I would meet my long lost grandfather in the next few minutes.

He is an animus, I wonder if Swell is too. Draco just pulled me away from touching him. And then before I knew it, I was hugging the black giant owl that is my grandfather. During the hug, I didn't want to let go. Under my arms I could feel Toma shifting. When I finally looked up, I was staring at a young man.

"Your really tall." I felt myself say and watched as he laughed and smiled at me.

"I'm Toma, your grandfather. It's nice to finally meet you. You look so much like Kevin." He said tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. Looking left he met eyes with Draco. "Ah. Your the boy in the window." Draco nodded.

"I'll expect you will take good care of my dear Hermione in the weeks to come. If you do well I'll show you a few magic tricks." Toma smiled kindly towards him, Draco seemed a bit shocked but he returned the smile.

"Now as for you my darling. You have class in a few minutes, can't have you being late." With that he kissed my cheek and waved us off down the stairs.